Libby O’Brien was one of the winners of Country to Canberra’s 2014 essay competition. For her amazing efforts, she had her work published and scored a ‘Power Trip’ to Canberra, where she met powerful female leaders, toured parliament and was interviewed by top media outlets. We asked Libby to look back on some of her favourite and most inspiring moments…
C2C: Hi Libby! Tell us, what motivated you to enter the 2014 competition?
Libby: My English teacher suggested I enter the competition and she believed I could relate to the topic. I felt that the main message behind ‘Country to Canberra’ was very relevant in my daily life. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing a local female councillor from my area and I learnt a lot about my town in the process of formulating my essay.
C2C: How did it feel being told you were a winner?
Libby: I couldn’t believe it! I really didn’t think I’d make it in the top 15 let alone be one of the winners. I entered the competition not expecting anything but when I received the phone call from Hannah I was stunned and so excited. I was really glad that I entered and couldn’t wait to meet the other winners and chat about important issues that affect rural teenage girls.
I couldn’t believe it! …I was stunned and so excited.
C2C: What was your favourite part about the ‘Power Trip’ to Canberra?
Libby: I really enjoyed the Powerful Women’s Breakfast where I gained knowledge from the ladies we spoke to. I honestly enjoyed every single part of the trip so it’s hard to nominate just one event!
C2C: What was the best piece of advice or lesson you learnt?
Libby: I really enjoyed the fact that the women at the breakfast had achieved so much and it really inspired me. The main lesson I learnt was that women can do anything they put their minds to.
The main lesson I learnt was that women can do anything they put their minds to.
C2C: How has your experience with Country to Canberra helped you going forward?
Libby: The Country to Canberra Power Trip was an unforgettable experience that developed my communication skills. The trip made me more aware of the issues rural women face and has helped me discuss these issues with other girls in my area.
C2C: What are you up to now and what are your future plans?
Libby: I have been working non-stop with school activities and study. I hope to further my studies at University next year but I haven’t really had the time to put much thought into what my future exactly looks like!
I honestly enjoyed every single part of the trip so it’s hard to nominate just one event!
C2C: What advice would you give girls who are going on a ‘Power Trip’ in 2015?
Libby: My main advice would be to really try to absorb as much information as you possibly can on the trip. That way your adventure to Canberra will be truly unforgettable like it was for Vesna, Hannah and me.